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9 Best NYC Rooftops Summer 2018

June 5, 2018

Photo by Pod Hotels

Pull out the summer stripes and camp collar shirts because it's finally rooftop season! For those not as fortunate to abandoned the hot and humid streets of New York this summer, keep this list handy. Below are my 9 favorite rooftop bars in New York. Some are best for the views, others for the ambiance. Whatever your preference there's surely one here to suit your needs.

Azul at Hotel Hugo

West Village - 525 Greenwich St

Situated in a relatively quiet area of the West Village, Azul is a Cuban themed bar that takes your mind to a land faraway from New York. The decor is industrial, but fun and Caribbean colored. The drinks are also tropical and fun and sunsets here are A+ with one of the best views of downtown. The string lights at night add the perfect ambiance to your staycation.

Photo by Azul Rooftop

Rooftop Reds

DUMBO - 299 Sands St BLDG #275

Love wine? Love rooftops? Love Brooklyn? If you're like me and the answer is yes to all three than Rooftop Reds is your spot. It is the worlds first rooftop wine bar that grows their own vines on the property. the vibe is very low key and relaxed and there is plenty of space. Come for the wine, but stay for the hammocks, cornhole and picnic tables.

Photo by CNBC

Bar SixtyFive

Midtown West - 30 Rockefeller Plaza, 65th Floor

Spoiler: This could be a bit of a tourist trap, but a must visit nonetheless. One of the iconic rooftop bars in New York, with sweeping views of Manhattan. The prices are steep but so are the views, and at less of a cost than visiting the Rockefeller Observation Deck. Come here for a special occasion drink, and dress the part too.

Photo by Bar SixtyFive

Pod 39

Murray Hill - 145 E 39th St

Rooftop bar in Murray Hill you say? Before you scroll past, take a look at this unique location. Architected after the Roman Ruins, this Mexican themed rooftop bar is an oasis is an otherwise not so pleasant area. the views are classic midtown views, and the string lights add that homey ambiance. It is mostly standing room only and can get crowded during after work hours, but worth the wait.

Photo by Noah Devereaux

1 Rooftop

DUMBO - 60 Furman St

A new icon of New York rooftop bars. 1 Rooftop sits atop the stunning 1 Hotel Brooklyn and offers unobstructed views of the Brooklyn Bridge, Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. This bar is subjectively one of the nicest in New York in terms of view and ambiance. It is only open Friday-Sunday and can tend to attract tourists. But get here early enough and mark your territory to take in a sunset to remember.

Photo by James Baigrie

Mr. Purple

Lower East Side - 180 Orchard St

Situated atop the Hotel Indigo in a buzzing neighborhood. Mr. Purple is surprisingly not as tacky as you would assume. It is actually quite enjoyable with spectacular views. The indoor/outdoor bar is very spacious, but does tend to get crowded. The views are great in almost all directions, and there is a pool which is always cool. This is a great spot to get some summery drinks and get the summer tan in order.

Photo by Mr. Purple

Gallow Green

Chelsea - 542 W 27th St

Sitting atop a warehouse in a quiet industrial street in Chelsea is a garden oasis. Gallow Green is intricately decorated with flowers and vines to create the perfect romantic situation. Sunset in here is stunning as the light over the Hudson Rivers shines in through all the greenery. Bring a date here and you'll be almost guaranteed another one.

Photo by Gallow Green

Westlight

Williamsburg - 111 N 12th Street

The view of all views at the iconic Westlight. Sitting atop the rather large William Vale Hotel is a bar with one of the most awe-inspiring and sweeping views of all of Manhattan from the East River. The indoor bar is fancily designed with black and white tile and tall beamed ceilings. The open window layout lends to the sweeping views. the crowd and vibe is posh so don't be afraid to come here looking your best.

Photo by Noah Fecks

Northern Territory

Greenpoint - 12 Franklin St

This massive, Asutralian themed bar offers one of the best casual vibes with stellar views in New York. Situated in the trendy neighborhood of Greenpoint, the crowd here tends to be local. This is the place to come if you're looking to get off the beaten path with a group of friends and simply have a good time.